Posted on 10 Apr 2013
In April the Society was delighted to present its conservation award, the first for a number of years, to the Classic Boat Museum at its home at Venture Quays, Castle Street, East Cowes, on the Isle of Wight. The award was in recognition of the sterling work done by the Museum`s many volunteers in establishing this superb collection of boats in its current location.
As well as featuring many classic boats, power and sail, of local and national significance the museum houses an extensive archive and collection of boat artefacts in its neighbouring gallery. The museum now has more than 50 boats, the oldest having been built in Cowes in 1852 and also includes Rosabelle, the launch from which Frank Beken, the world famous marine photographer took his pictures.
The archive houses the Thorneycroft collection of papers and drawings, Kirk photographic plates and significant material on Uffa Fox, Joe Carstairs, Trinity House, Saunders Roe and perhaps its most famous product the Princess Flying Boat. The gallery has become a resource centre for all interested in the history of boats and boat building.
A selection of the photographs taken on the day can be seen by following this link
Solent Protection Society 